At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals experiencing rough sleeping and help them transition into stable housing.
- Company: Somerset Council, dedicated to reducing homelessness and improving community lives.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, health support, and a secure pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a compassionate team committed to creating lasting change in Somerset.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable populations and knowledge of homelessness issues required.
The predicted salary is between 30339 - 37081 £ per year.
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- Rough Sleeping In Reach / Outreach Officer - West Somerset
- Rough Sleeping Outreach / In-Reach Officer
Hours
Full-Time, 37 hours per week.
Contract
- Permanent
- Role Purpose
You will be playing a crucial role in Somerset Council’s efforts to address and reduce rough sleeping within the community.
Reporting to the Rough Sleeping Coordinator, you will be responsible for providing direct support to individuals who have experienced rough sleeping.
You’ll be conducting outreach and in reach activities, assessing individual needs, and developing personalised support plans to help clients transition into stable housing.
You will work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including statutory and non-statutory agencies, housing providers, and support services, to ensure a coordinated approach to tackling homelessness.
This role requires a compassionate and proactive individual who can build trust with vulnerable populations and advocate for their needs within the broader housing and social care systems.
Somerset is committed to supporting the Government’s Ending Rough Sleeping campaign, and you will a key part of this.
Your success in this role will help to achieve positive housing and outcomes residents across Somerset, underlying Somerset Council’s commitment to a fairer, better future.
Key responsibilities
- Conduct regular outreach and in-reach activities to identify and engage with individuals sleeping rough, such as early morning verifications and tenancy sustainment support.
- Assess the needs of rough sleepers and develop personalised support plans.
- Provide direct support and advocacy to help clients access housing, healthcare and other essential services.
- Work closely with statutory and non-statutory services, housing providers, and support services to coordinate efforts and resources.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions and progress.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of support plans and adjust as necessary.
- What you’ll bring
- Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness.
- Proven track record in developing and implementing support plans.
- Experience in conducting outreach / in-reach and engagement activities.
- Understanding of homelessness and rough sleeping issues.
- Knowledge of housing legislation and policies.
- Awareness of local support services and resources.
- Educated to at least A Level standard or acquired knowledge to NVQ Level 4.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trust and rapport with vulnerable individuals.
- About the team
The Rough Sleeping Team forms part of Somerset Council’s Homelessness and Housing Options Service.
Our Rough Sleeping Team works to prevent and reduce rough sleeping across Somerset, helping people access accommodation, support services, and pathways away from homelessness.
We work closely with a range of partners, including housing providers, NHS services, substance misuse services, and voluntary sector organisations, to provide coordinated and effective support.
Together, we are committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred services that help people move away from homelessness and achieve lasting housing stability.
Why Join Us?
At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities.
Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.
- Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most generous and secure pension schemes.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
- Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
Find out more about working at Somerset Council
- This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week. This will require unsociable hours to be worked, including early morning outreach and spotlight counts.
- 2x positions in Taunton, West Somerset.
- 28 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
- An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.
- Interviews are anticipated to take place in the first two weeks of December.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.
We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.
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Rough Sleeping In Reach / Outreach Officer - West Somerset in Taunton employer: Somerset-Council-1
Join a dynamic and values-driven team at the Hospital Interface Service in Yeovil, where you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of adults with complex needs. With a competitive starting salary, generous annual leave, and a strong focus on professional development, this role offers an excellent work culture that champions collaboration and innovation. Embrace the chance to lead and support others while working in a supportive environment that prioritises reflective practice and continuous growth.
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We think this is how you could land Rough Sleeping In Reach / Outreach Officer - West Somerset in Taunton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Rough Sleeping In Reach / Outreach Officer - West Somerset in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Somerset-Council-1:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Somerset-Council-1! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset-Council-1
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
